TANTSU            

TANTSU is a form of Bodywork Tantra and is derived by combining the words Shiatsu and Tantra - Tant(ric Shiat)su.  Besides providing all the benefits that Shiatsu does, Tantsu takes both giver and receiver into states of meditation, energy and awareness that are as powerful as those experienced in the practices of Tantra.

 Tantsu was developed several years ago by Harold Dull at Harbin Hot Springs,  a New Age retreat in California which was originally a Native American healing site, surrounded by 1160 acres of its own mountains, valley, streams and woods and with its own natural hot springs and pools.   This rare place of peace and beauty provides the perfect setting for the development of forms of bodywork such as Tantsu and Watsu (Shiatsu in the water with which you may already be familiar).    Harold wanted to duplicate on land Watsu’s connection, nurturing and power and developed a form in which we use our whole body to hold and cradle someone from beginning to end.  The more you are held the more you can let go.   

It is done in dance-like patterns, each move flowing into the next, in a way that further encourages someone to completely let go.  Because, besides releasing points and stretching meridians, it focuses on connecting chakras and freeing the energy moving up the spine.      As in Shiatsu, the receiver stays fully clothed and both receiver and giver are at floor level.    Tantsu brings a level of non-sexual intimacy in which the whole body is cradled and supported, deeply connecting with the heart and body centres.   Importance is placed on working with the breath at all times and feeling the connection with Hara.    As the experience of this is felt more deeply so the heart will open more fully and it is this spiritual intimacy which gives Tantsu its power.

There are four basic Tantsu positions.   At least half the time the giver sits in side straddle whilst the receiver’s head is cradled on the giver’s lap – cushions are used for additional comfort.    There are other positions called ‘The Turtle’ in which the receiver drops the head and arms forward whilst kneeling and ‘The Lap’ in which, whilst lying supine,  both the receiver’s legs are straddled either side of the giver’s thighs.   This is wonderful for the lower back and incredibly relaxing.  The legs are stretched and rotated individually,  points are worked down the lower back and the Hara receives attention as well, each move co-ordinating with the breath and connecting with the heart.

 Tantsu is particularly appropriate for pregnant women as for much of the time the person is lying on their side but for anyone who enjoys bodywork, particularly Shiatsu, Tantsu is a wonderful experience.

 The belief is that those who practice Bodywork Tantra will experience their own body becoming more centred, vibrant and supple,  the heart centre will open more fully and the person will become more accepting of others, feeling a deeper connection to every other person.   In Tantsu a person is supported with the centred strength of Hara, with loving acceptance and clarity expressed in the effortless flowing dancelike continuity of the moves from beginning to end.   The deepest impulse is to free the body and the end of the session is experienced as separation which includes both a sense of freedom and connection.  Bodywork is a celebration of connection! 

Five or ten day intensive courses to learn Tantsu are held annually at Harbin Hot Springs and there are no prior requisites.     There are now a few qualified Tantsu Practitioners in the UK.  To experience a session of Tantsu or to join a small introductory workshop (suitable for those familiar with Shiatsu), e.mail: christine.edney12@therapist-uk.net